Bad breath caused by plaque

Bad breath is also called “halitosis” and is caused by several factors. In almost 90% of the cases it is formed in the oral cavity. One of the reasons is plaque.

Plaque causes decay processes in the mouth, in which bacteria decompose food leftovers and release gases, especially sulfur compounds. Especially protein-containing foods such as milk and fish cause particularly unpleasant odours. However, plaque in poor oral hygiene also causes gingivitis. Here, tissue decay can lead to odours which we find unpleasant depending on the degree of the disease. Another problem is plaque caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, which settle in the pits of the tongue and are difficult to remove.

Discoloration due to dental plaque

The removal of soft dental plaque is done through daily oral hygiene. Plaque can be removed with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Plaque can be removed from the spaces between the teeth that are difficult for the toothbrush to reach with dental floss, interdental brushes or toothpicks.

The thorough removal of bacterial plaque helps to prevent caries, gingivitis and periodontitis. If the plaque is not removed, tartar is formed, which can only be removed by the dentist. Theoretically, plaque could also be removed with antibacterial mouthwashes.

However, since the sensitivity of microorganisms varies, there is a risk that the oral flora will be out of balance and the harmful germs may remain. Therefore, chemical plaque control is not advisable. The exception to this are situations in which normal oral hygiene is not possible.

This is the case, for example, with splinting of broken jaws. Plaque removers are instruments that can be used to remove hard dental plaque. These are similar to the dentist’s instruments, which are called “scalers”.

These are sharp instruments with which the tartar can be “scraped” or scraped off the teeth. However, this procedure is not entirely without danger without experience, as the poor accessibility of the oral cavity means that you can quickly slip off with your own hand and injure your gums. In addition, the tartar can be pushed further under the gums and thus no longer cause damage.

If you exert too much pressure, it can also lead to cracks and scratches in the enamel, which are no longer repairable. Furthermore, when used at home, the teeth do not need to be polished afterwards, which is the only way to prevent new deposits. The tooth surface remains rough and tartar reappears.

The professional removal of the tartar by an expert is therefore strongly recommended to avoid consequential damage.

Tartar scratch
Tablets against plaque

To remove the soft plaque, toothbrush and dental floss are the first choice. If used correctly, the teeth can be cleaned completely.

For harder plaque, there are several home remedies that promise more or less success, depending on the degree of the plaque. Regular rinsing with hydrogen peroxide after brushing the teeth will not only reduce soft plaque but also bleach the teeth. However, H2O2 should be mixed with water so that the teeth are not affected too much.

When brushing with the toothbrush itself, you can put baking powder directly on the toothbrush and then brush over the stubborn plaque. However, you should avoid touching the healthy tooth enamel, as baking powder has a very high abrasive power. One could damage the uppermost enamel layer and thus “brush away” it.

Tea tree oil and lemons are also recommended. However, it is healthiest for the teeth to have this removal of hard plaque carried out by a specialist in the dental practice. Only with the right expertise will the teeth not be damaged and you can enjoy a bright white smile for a long time.